Is the Brady/Manning Debate Actually a Debate?

Kyle:  I think it’s only a debate in the sense that sports rivalries fuel debates. The problem with this as a legitimate debate is the fact that they actually don’t go head-to-head as say a Bird and Magic or Ali and Frazier did. Both players are somewhat beholding to the talent, schemes, and successes of their defenses. early in the “debate” Brady’s crew had the better D; lately, Manning’s D was superior (and Brady’s weapons were weaker- nice correlation there). The good thing is we get to see to talented, almost once in a life time players compete. It should be a blast.

Raj:  It’s always a debate. There’s 3 points of view to this question, let’s introduce them both.

Rick:  The Brady vs. Manning debate is still one that should be discussed as long as Peyton has a chance to win a second Super Bowl. If he does, the gap between the number of rings isn’t as large as it is now. If Brady can win a fourth Super Bowl, that could settle the debate. For now, both quarterbacks are playing on an elite level, especially in the last four games. Manning has the receivers and the defense to get back to a Super Bowl. While Brady dominated the early years, Manning has been the one winning the postseason matchups with the Patriots since 2006. It will be interesting to see if these two quarterbacks are facing each other again in January. Last year, it was Manning who got the victory and a much needed one for him. Now, Brady still has a chance to make his case as he has been excellent in his last four games since the Chiefs’ debacle. It’s still a debate and you couldn’t go wrong with either quarterback, but Brady gets the edge still for me.

Derek: There is no debate.  Peyton Manning has built his career records by throwing to a slew of first round draft picks inside of the controlled environment of a dome, over a longer period of time.  It’s only those career numbers such as total passing yards and touchdown passes that Manning has any sort of real edge over Brady.  Tom Brady has never had anywhere near the offensive weapons that Peyton Manning has been privy to, yet he still manages to put up incredible numbers, and in particular, the only number that matters – wins.  When it comes to winning percentage, head-to-head wins, playoff wins, and most importantly, Super Bowl wins, Peyton Manning can’t even sniff Tom Brady’s jock strap.  There is no debate.  The point of the game is to win, and nobody has done that better than Tom Brady.